Getting
Started
What
Software You Need to Use
- Install
Dreamweaver 8: you
may decide to purchase or use the software at the school
computer lab. In either situation, I recommend
that you do not wait but download the 30-day
trial version of Dreamweaver available at http://www.macromedia.com so that you will be able to start the class right away. Sources
for obtaining the software:
-
There
are copies for limited checkout from the TSL@IRC (WTH 221) [For more
info about this option, please refer to Dr. David Dalton’s course site: http://www.itecksu.org/courses/AuthSys/index.html)
-
You
may wish to purchase Dreamweaver for academic pricing or consider
the Studio bundle that includes Dreamweaver, Freehand, Fireworks, and Flash,
along with a few other items. This bundle is a tremendous value
(especially if you continue to take other multimedia courses
such as designing multimedia at Kent
State
University
)
-
You
can purchase the software from academic resellers such as PC
Connection, TRC, GovConnection (phone 1-800-80-0019) or campusEstore.com (phone 1-800-874-9001). Please do not pay retail. Also note that you
are required to use Dreamweaver;
but you are not required to purchase it.
- The
course uses Vista at https://vista.kent.edu/webct/entryPage.dowebct Please log in with your
Kent
email account username and password
- web
server spaces (e.g.,
Kent
State
University
server space, Folioweb server space) for individual projects
- Netscape
v7 or higher, Mozilla Firefox , Internet Explorer v.6 or higher,
Safari
These are the REQUIRED TOOLS. It
is your responsibility to make sure that you have all these tools
installed and that they work properly.
I recommend that you do not wait
until you have received your order but download the 30-day trial
version of Dreamweaver available at http://www.macromedia.com so that you will be able to start the class right away. Your
required manual, Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Hands-On Training, comes with a CD with a trial version too.
For effective web
design you need to check your pages on different browsers. You need
to have at least Firefox (highly recommended) and Internet
Explorer, or Safari (Mac).
You need to install the necessary plug-ins for your browsers and test them to make sure they are
working properly.
Shockwave
Player
|
This plug-in
allows you open Shockwave movies |
Flash
Player |
This plug-in
allows you open Flash movies |
Real Player Plug-In
|
This plug in
allows you to run Streaming Audio and Video as well as slides
shows on the web |
Quicktime Plugin |
This plug in
allows you to open quicktime movies |
Acrobat Reader plug-in
|
Adobe Acrobat
Reader will let you open the articles in e-reserves which are
stored in PDF (Portable Document Format) |
IMPORTANT: Failure to install the
plug-ins will hinder the retrieval of necessary files and prevent
the participation in the class chat and other required activities.
- Capacity to
Compress and Expand Files
The following tools may make your
life easier and allow you to become a more sophisticated designer.
You are encouraged to try some of them.
Winzip (PC)
Aladdin
Expander (MAC)
These are utilities to compress and expand files for the
Internet.
- Capacity to
Move files via a File Transfer Protocol or FTP
OR type at
the browser window:
These are utilities that allow you to
transfer your files onto the server (and to allow others to browser
your websites). Although Dreamweaver comes with
its own useful FTP, you may need another tool at hand, in case you
get certain error messages while transferring files.
- An Important Safety Note: Make sure your Antivirus program is running and has the most recent
UPDATES!
You will need one of these tools to create, edit and optimize your
graphics for the Web. The commercial applications all offer trial
versions.
IMAGEFORGE Freeware
Create/edit images, animations and picture albums. Produce stunning
results with your own pictures & photo.
ULEAD
PHOTOIMPACT
CNET writes, "This inexpensive
photo editor handles digital photo processing, Web graphic design,
and general graphics with near-equal aplomb. It's an excellent
alternative to Paint Shop Pro."
PAINTSHOP
PRO
An excellent inexpensive graphics
application comparable to Adobe Photoshop but much cheaper
MACROMEDIA
FIREWORKS (trial)
This is an excellent image
editing software. You can create graphics, buttons, and animations
for your Web pages. It integrates very well with Dreamweaver
although it is not very easy to use.
MACROMEDIA
FLASH
You can create fancy vector
animation, interactive menus, buttons, and application interfaces.
It is difficult to use, but excellent for creating a dynamic web
design.
ADOBE
PHOTOSHOP
Very professional and expensive image editor with advanced features
What
you need to know for the first week
In the first week you
need to make sure you that you know:
- How
to find the information you need in
Vista
- How
to check new announcements and emails
- How
to download tools that you may need
- How
to post and read messages in the discussion board in
Vista
- How
to participate in the synchronous chat session
What
you need to DO the first week
- Install
the browsers and the plug-ins if you do
not have them already.
- Install Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
- Obtain
the required reading material
- Update
your profile and include your picture in
Vista
Some
useful tips regarding "Netiquette":
- Try
to keep your replies posted in the discussion forum brief.
Focus on one subject per reply and follow the threads. If
you introduce a new thread, please make sure you use pertinent
subject titles. It is helpful to everyone if you will use key
words in your subject titles.
- Be
aware of copyright issues. Make sure you cite all quotes,
references, and sources. If you are using images, animation,
etc. from the Web, make sure you read the disclaimer. For more
information, go to http://www.utsystem.edu/OGC/Intellectual
Property/ccmcguid.htm
- Be
professional and careful in all your on-line interactions
(discussion forum and chat).
(The above
"netiquette' guidelines were adapted from Palloff, R.M. &
Pratt, K. (1999). Building learning communities in cyberspace:
Effective strategies for the on-line classroom.
San Francisco
: Jossey-Bass Publishers)
I
wish you success and I am happy to have you in this course.
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